Alejandro Bedoya signs with the Philadelphia Union

The saga is over. New Jersey native Alejandro Bedoya has officially signed with the Philadelphia Union.

Only hours before Major League Soccer’s transfer window came to a close, the Philadelphia Union were able to acquire the United States international and FC Nantes midfielder.

“We have laid out very specific goals for our club this season and Alejandro adds the type of quality that can instantly guide us in achieving them,” said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “He’s a tremendous player in the prime of his career and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club.”

The Philadelphia Union had to obtain the top spot in the MLS’ Allocation Ranking to sign Bedoya, meaning they had to strike a deal with the Chicago Fire, who then held the top spot on the list. The Union ended up trading General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, a 1st round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, and the Discovery Priority on a player to be named later in order to acquire the number one Allocation Ranking spot.

According to multiple reports, Bedoya is set to make an annual salary of one million dollars per year. In addition, the final transfer fee the Union had to pay in order to grab the 29-year-old was one million dollars.

Deal is done. League source tells me final transfer fee on Bedoya is $1M, & final salary # is $1M/year. #DOOP

Transaction: Philadelphia Union acquire Alejandro Bedoya as a Designated Player on Aug. 3, 2016 and will be added to the Union’s roster upon receipt of his ITC. The Union acquired Bedoya via the Allocation Process after the club secured the #1 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order in a trade with the Chicago Fire. The Union traded General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, the club’s natural first round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Pick, and the Discovery Priority on a player to be named later in exchange for the #1 spot.